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Community Corner

Did You Remember to Set Your Clocks Ahead Last Night?

It's time to 'spring forward' in Alpharetta and Milton.

By now, most people in Alpharetta and Milton have noticed that daylight is beginning a little earlier each morning.

That means spring and Daylight Saving Time are near. In 2013, the big shift happened today, Sunday, March 10.

On that date, most of the U.S. will 'spring' clocks forward at 2 a.m., meaning, yes, that you'll lose an hour of sleep. But you'll get an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day.

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If you forgot to set at least your alarm clock last night, you might miss church, arriving just as services end. (You don't have to worry about being late to work at Chik-fil-A – they are one of the businesses that stays closed on Sundays.)

While I didn't forget about the time change, there were a few frantic minutes this morning to be sure my cellphone alarm was right. Thankfully wireless providers got that part right several years ago, and I got up in time to fix a few things on this site.

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Firefighters like to remind you to check or even replace the batteries on your smoke detectors and Carbon Dioxide alarms whenever you have to change your clocks. It's a good time to check flashlight batteries, too.

And when does it end? DST will last until Nov. 3, 2013.

The change affects all states except Arizona and Hawaii. (See the attached map.)

Of course, many people would prefer that Daylight Saving Time become the norm, that time would not shift back to standard time in the fall.

A Florida legislator even introduced the "Sunshine Protection Act" in the state legislature to try to make that happen. He admits it has little chance of passing, but he wants to stimulate discussion on the topic.

Tell us: How do you feel about Daylight Saving Time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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